However, she had seen these things in the capital before, so she didn't find them particularly strange. Instead, she started looking for all kinds of snacks. Helian Duo had already seen through her little thoughts but didn't expose her. Even though he really wanted to remind her that she had eaten two whole bowls for dinner.
The two walked aimlessly and finally stopped in front of a stall selling glutinous rice balls. Helian Duo frowned at the sight of the old man making the balls by hand. Cheng Xiran pulled him and asked if he wanted some. He made an excuse that he was going to look at the jade carvings over there and left.
When Cheng Xiran bought a serving and walked towards him while eating, she saw Helian Duo holding a magnolia hairpin.
She wasn't very interested. Instead, her eyes were attracted to a wooden comb in a corner.
Seeing this, the shopkeeper quickly picked up the comb and handed it to Cheng Xiran. He introduced it, "Miss, this is a boxwood comb. The twin lotus flowers carved on it are so lifelike. You really have good taste."
Cheng Xiran took it with a smile and examined it carefully. She found that the carving was exquisite and the meaning of the twin lotus flowers was very good, so she decided to buy it. "Boss, how much is it?"
Just as the shopkeeper was about to reply, Helian Duo interrupted, "Don't you like this magnolia hairpin?"
Cheng Xiran shook her head without hesitation. It was a bit too plain.
Helian Duo didn't say much. After asking the price of the comb, he paid for it. In fact, even if he didn't pay voluntarily, Cheng Xiran would still ask him because she had no money on her at the moment. Helian Duo was different. Even though his money had been stolen along with hers, his confidant had brought him some money in the afternoon.
"The wooden comb is a token of love. Gifting a wooden comb to someone means you want to be entangled with them for a lifetime. Comb once for a long - lasting relationship, comb twice for white hair side by side, comb thrice for a prosperous family..." the shopkeeper said vividly.
Cheng Xiran subconsciously looked at Helian Duo. There seemed to be a smile in his eyes.
"Are you two already married or in a passionate relationship?"
Cheng Xiran was stunned, but Helian Duo naturally put his arm around her shoulder and said firmly, "We've been married for two years."
The shopkeeper naturally said some words wishing them to have a son soon and stay together forever.
Cheng Xiran's face flushed. However, since this kind of thing had happened many times recently, she was gradually getting used to it, so her blushing wasn't very obvious.
After walking a few steps, because Helian Duo was unusually quiet, Cheng Xiran took the initiative to start a conversation. "Are you sure you don't want to eat? They're very soft and there's a layer of sesame on the outside. It tastes even better."
She picked up a ball and held it in front of Helian Duo. Helian Duo was just stunned for a moment, then reached out to take it and suddenly stopped walking.
Cheng Xiran picked up another ball and was about to put it into her mouth when Helian Duo suddenly grabbed her and stopped her from moving forward. Fortunately, she had already put the ball into her mouth. Otherwise, she would have been angry!
Unexpectedly, the next second, Helian Duo leaned down and bit the glutinous rice ball that was still half - exposed on her lips...
But Cheng Xiran really felt the warmth of his lips on hers.
She stepped back in surprise and accidentally bumped into someone. Helian Duo apologized on her behalf, "I'm really sorry, sir. My wife wasn't paying attention. Are you okay?"
"My wife", these three words contained so much. Just the literal meaning was enough to move Cheng Xiran.
Even though many people were coming and going around them, Cheng Xiran still stood there stunned. She looked at the man in front of her, and there was a strange feeling in her heart. She even made up her mind to confess her love to him on the spot.
As long as he gave her another smiling look, she would definitely do it.
The next second, Helian Duo really smiled at her, but the words he said made Cheng Xiran's heart sink.
"Someone is following us from behind."
All her beautiful fantasies just now were like bubbles. They burst the moment Helian Duo said this.
She pursed her lips slightly. She didn't shake off Helian Duo's hand because of this. However, the smile in her eyes disappeared, and only a forced smile remained on her lips.
Seeing that she didn't say a word for a long time, Helian Duo thought she was tired, so he joked, "I gave you the wooden comb. Shouldn't you prepare a gift for me?"
"I don't have any money," Cheng Xiran replied directly.
Helian Duo already had an idea in mind. He immediately suggested, "I'm just short of a sachet. If you're sincere, make one for me."
Cheng Xiran wasn't interested. Her tone sounded a bit listless. "I'm not good at needlework."
"Really?" A sly look flashed in Helian Duo's eyes. After a pause, he continued to test her. "But you used to send me many paintings you embroidered yourself. Although they were ugly, they were still bearable."
He sounded so sincere that Cheng Xiran believed that the original owner could do needlework. So she had to change her words. "I haven't done it for some time. I may be a bit rusty. Since you still need to investigate this matter, I'll take this opportunity to get close to Mrs. Qian. I'll ask her to teach me embroidery and see if there's any breakthrough."
To divert Helian Duo's attention, she immediately said, "I'm tired. Let's go back. I want to sleep."
Helian Duo praised her a few words, but Cheng Xiran's mind was still occupied by what he had said before. Everything he did was because someone was following them... Yes, how could the powerful Regent be interested in her?
When they returned to the mansion, they happened to meet Lord Qian and his wife coming back.
"The conditions here are not as good as those in the capital. I wonder if you two enjoyed your dinner?"
Lord Qian carefully supported his wife and asked with a smile.
Helian Duo nodded imperceptibly. "My wife had a great time. Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Qian."
"In that case, you'd better rest early..." Lord Qian looked at Helian Duo intently and then continued, "If there's anything lacking in your room, just tell the servants."
After saying that, the two of them walked into the mansion arm in arm.
Looking at their backs as they walked away, Cheng Xiran couldn't help sighing, "Lord Qian and his wife have a very good relationship."
"One should not see things as if through a fog."
After leaving this remark, Helian Duo walked in first.
Cheng Xiran glared at him fiercely. What an unromantic man!
Sleeping at night was also a problem. Originally, Cheng Xiran understood his noble status, so before he could say anything, she offered to sleep on the rattan chair in the outer room and let him have the bed. But Helian Duo directly proposed that they should sleep together. If he hadn't said it with a straight face and a serious expression, Cheng Xiran would definitely have had wild thoughts.